Benkos Biohó

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Benkos Biohó (also known as Domingo Biohó) was a prominent figure in the history of Colombia, known for his role as a leader of maroon communities of escaped slaves in the 17th century. Born in the late 16th century in what is now Guinea-Bissau, Biohó was captured by Portuguese traders and sold into slavery in the Americas. He was transported to the New Granada, a Spanish colony that included parts of modern-day Colombia.

Early Life

Little is known about Benkos Biohó's early life before his enslavement. He is believed to have been a member of a royal family in Africa, which might have influenced his leadership skills and charismatic authority among the enslaved Africans in the Americas.

Escape and Leadership

Biohó led a group of slaves in an escape around 1599 and founded the community of San Basilio de Palenque, near Cartagena, Colombia. This community, often simply referred to as Palenque, became a sanctuary for escaped slaves and those seeking freedom from the Spanish colonial rule. Under Biohó's leadership, Palenque developed into a well-organized, self-sustaining society that resisted Spanish efforts to re-enslave its inhabitants.

Resistance and Treaty

Biohó was known for his guerrilla tactics against the Spanish, which included espionage, ambushes, and the freeing of slaves. His actions and those of his followers significantly disrupted the Spanish slave economy in the region. In recognition of his power and to bring peace to the area, the Spanish governor eventually negotiated a treaty with Biohó in 1605, granting freedom and autonomy to the Palenque community. However, the peace was short-lived, and conflicts resumed shortly after.

Capture and Legacy

Benkos Biohó was captured under a guise of peace and executed by the Spanish in 1621, a move that was widely condemned, even among some Spaniards. Despite his death, the community he founded, San Basilio de Palenque, survived and remains a symbol of resistance and cultural identity. In 2005, UNESCO declared it a Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Biohó's legacy is celebrated in Colombia and beyond as a symbol of freedom and resistance against oppression. His life and leadership have inspired numerous works of literature, music, and art, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora in the Americas.

See Also

• Slavery in the Spanish New World colonies
• Maroons
• African diaspora in the Americas